Shloka 6.66.19

कुम्भकर्णप्रस्थानम् तथा अङ्गदप्रेरणा (Kumbhakarna’s sortie and Angada’s rallying of the Vanaras)

Devanagari script

भग्नानांवो न पश्यामिपरिगम्यमहीमिमाम् ।।।।स्थानंसर्वेनिवर्तध्वंकिंप्राणान् परिरक्षथ ।

Transliteration

bhagnānāṃ vo na paśyāmi parigamya mahīm imām |

sthānaṃ sarve nivartadhvaṃ kiṃ prāṇān parirakṣatha ||

Translation

For those who flee in defeat, I see no safe refuge—even if you roam the whole earth. Turn back, all of you: why cling to life at the cost of honour and duty?

Context

"I do not see any refuge for you even if you go round the globe. All of you return back. Why do you preserve life?"

Characters & Entities

• Aṅgada
• Earth (mahī)
• Vānara (monkeys)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Aṅgada argues that dharma is not mere survival; it is fidelity to righteous duty and honour, without seeking safety through cowardly flight.

What is the narrative situation?

Aṅgada rebukes the fleeing troops, insisting there is no true refuge in running away and ordering them to return.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Valour joined with moral clarity—life is not to be preserved by abandoning one’s rightful cause.